Perinatal Anxiety, Intrusive Thoughts, and IFS: What’s Really Happening in the “New Parent” Nervous System

<p>The “postpartum” season is bigger than we think — it’s the <strong>perinatal period</strong>, spanning pregnancy and often <strong>1–2 years after birth</strong>. In this episode, Jessie Evans sits down with Steadfast counselor <strong>Annalise Lind</strong> to explore what happens internally when your “control panel” changes during pregnancy and early parenthood.</p><p>Through an <strong>Internal Family Systems (IFS)</strong> lens, we talk about how <strong>anxiety, intrusive thoughts, perinatal OCD patterns, and even depression</strong> can be understood as <em>protective parts</em> — not proof that you’re broken. You’ll hear a shame-free, faith-sensitive conversation about:</p><ul><li><p>Why intrusive thoughts are so common (and why they feel so terrifying)</p></li><li><p>How OCD cycles work — and what <em>actually</em> helps</p></li><li><p>How old attachment wounds can resurface when you become a parent</p></li><li><p>Why community support matters (and how to ask for what you need)</p></li><li><p>Practical tools for noticing parts and coming back to your grounded “Self”</p></li></ul><p>📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode</p><p><strong>1) The IFS Workbook for OCD</strong></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/IFS-Workbook-OCD-Self-Compassion-Mindfulness/dp/B0FBK9R76S?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">Amazon (Print)</a> </p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/IFS-Workbook-OCD-Self-Compassion-Mindfulness-ebook/dp/B0FB9QS13N?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">Amazon (Kindle)</a> </p></li></ul><p><strong>2) Boundaries for Your Soul (Alison Cook &amp; Kimberly Miller)</strong></p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Your-Soul-Overwhelming-Thoughts/dp/1400201616?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">Amazon (Print)</a> </p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-Your-Soul-Overwhelming-Thoughts-ebook/dp/B077CWMF21?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">Amazon (Kindle)</a> </p></li><li><p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Boundaries-for-Your-Soul-audiobook/dp/B07C9ZW883?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">Amazon (Audiobook)</a></p></li></ul><p>If you’re in Charleston and want support during pregnancy, postpartum, or the perinatal period, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling is here for you.</p><p><strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">www.steadfastchristiancounseling.com</a><br><strong>Book a FREE consultation:</strong> <a href="https://sccandcic.janeapp.com" target="_new" rel="noopener">https://sccandcic.janeapp.com</a></p><p></p>